2023 Senate Resolution 54

Whereas, We honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence, especially those affected by the tragedies at Michigan State University, as well as Oxford High School; and

Whereas, The effects of gun violence in the United States is pervasive and all-encompassing on every community; and

Whereas, Since 1968, more individuals have died from guns in the United States than have died in the battlefields of all the wars in United States’ history; and

Whereas, In 2023, over 16,000 Americans have already lost their lives to gun violence, including over 100 children under the age of 11; and

Whereas, June 2, 2023, will mark the 26th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager who marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade and was tragically shot and killed just three weeks later; and

Whereas, Following Hadiya’s death, her friends and classmates organized the “Wear Orange” movement to honor her life and all those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence. Today, orange is nationally recognized as the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement; and

Whereas, By wearing orange and commemorating National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Americans will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives and lost human potential of Americans stolen by gun violence; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 2023 as Gun Violence Awareness Month; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage all citizens to support their communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human life.